Objective: (1) To compare the influenza vaccination rates among older volunteers in Baltimore City and the older population in Maryland. (2) To test for association of influenza vaccination utilization with demographic characteristics and participation in specific types of volunteer activities among older, black, female volunteers.
Data: Participants in the Experience Corps pilot trial in Baltimore City were at least 60 years old and willing to volunteer 15 hours per week in one of three public elementary schools; half were randomly assigned to schools. All subjects were asked about demographic characteristics, other volunteer activities, and influenza vaccination utilization in the past year between fall 1999 and spring 2000.
Methods: Influenza vaccination utilization rates were calculated for all study subjects and black women over age 65. Rates were compared with 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Among older, black women, correlations with age and years of education were estimated. Cross-tabulations were performed to test for associations between influenza vaccination utilization and self-reported health status, income, and other volunteer activities.
Results: Of all study subjects, 56% had received an influenza vaccination in the past year, as had 58% of the older, black, female volunteers, and 63% of individuals over age 65 in Maryland in 1999. Education was the only variable significantly (negatively) associated with influenza vaccination utilization in bivariate analyses.
Conclusion: Older (well educated) individuals who take an active role in helping others need to be encouraged to care for themselves properly at least as much as the general population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
Keywords: Prevention, Social Activism
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.